Unusual growth pattern on scalp

Hello!

Before I begin, I just want to thank you for the information you’ve provided in the past.  It was very helpful.  You provide an excellent service.

I am a 30 year-old white male.  My current physician has examined my scalp over the span of about 5 years, and she states that there has been no appearance of hair loss or miniturization.    However, there is a portion of my hair at the crown area that lays flat.  I have read posts on-line that describe this as a sort of “reverse” cowlick.  Rather than sticking straight up, this section of hair growth swings at an angle and lays down flat against my scalp.

I first noticed this when I was 19 years old.   I’m not sure if it was there before, as I never noticed it.  As a result, I assumed I was losing my hair.  However, as the usual progression of male pattern baldness didn't occur, I came to the conclusion, with help from my physician, that this was something else.  To be honest, I’m a bit paranoid about it, as it looks like kind of a funky bald spot.  I’ve never seen this sort of thing on anyone else.

I was wondering a few things:

Does this sort of thing happen to other people?  Is it something that can happen with age?  Can these “cowlicks” develop as one gets older, and that’s why I didn’t notice it until I was 19?  Ultimately, I know that the only things I can do involve changes in hair styles to cover it up or what not.  As there is no hair loss, it’s not a matter of regrowth.  However, any insight would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Silver_Surfer

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you have a variation of normal hair anatomy, without any significance.  Nothing to be paranoid about.  Not a sign of hair loss--as you realize--and not a sign of any other health problem.  I recommend ignoring it.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff